The word "tel" (Hebrew) or "tell" (Arabic) refers to steep
sided, flat topped, hills common in the Near East. Their distinctive shape is
caused by their formation. They were the sites
of ancient cities. Because of their history tels are somewhat like the paintwork
of many old houses, with different layers representing
different periods of occupation. This means that the layer with which a feature
or object is associated indicates at least a relative date.